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SECRETS OF THE TUDOR COURT

D L Bogdan

When young Mary Howard receives the news that she will be leaving her home for the grand court of King Henry VIII, to attend his mistress Anne Boleyn, she is ecstatic. Everything Anne touches seems to turn to gold, and Mary is certain Anne will one day become Queen. But Mary has also seen the King’s fickle nature and how easily he discards those who were once close to him…

Discovering that she is a pawn in a carefully orchestrated plot devised by her father, the duke of Norfolk, Mary dare not disobey him. Yet despite all of her efforts to please him,

When young Mary Howard receives the news that she will be leaving her home for the grand court of King Henry VIII, to attend his mistress Anne Boleyn, she is ecstatic. Everything Anne touches seems to turn to gold, and Mary is certain Anne will one day become Queen. But Mary has also seen the King’s fickle nature and how easily he discards those who were once close to him…

Discovering that she is a pawn in a carefully orchestrated plot devised by her father, the duke of Norfolk, Mary dare not disobey him. Yet despite all of her efforts to please him, she too falls prey to his cold wrath. Not until she becomes betrothed to Harry Fitzroy, the Duke of Richmond and son to King Henry VIII, does Mary finds the love and approval she’s been seeking. But just when Mary believes she is finally free of her father, the tides turn. Now Mary must learn to play her part well in a dangerous chess game that could change her life—and the course of history.

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About D L Bogdan

D.L. Bogan is a history major, aiming for a master’s so that she might lecture one day. She is also a musician with classical voice training who has been playing keyboards and singing in bands since she was 18. She also enjoys reading, traveling, summer activities, spending time with family and friends, and researching her next novel! She makes her home in central Wisconsin.

Praise

“Throbs with intensity as it lays bare the secret delights of Tudor court life and the sudden, lethal terrors. A tale of innocence and ruthless ambition locked in a love-hate embrace.”—Barbara Kyle, author of The King’s Daughter

“A beautifully written story with wonderful attention to detail. I loved the book.”—Diane Haeger, author of The Queen’s Mistake

Discussion Questions

Discuss how Mary’s character changes throughout the novel.

Who were Marys’ biggest influences?

How did Mary’s regard for the king change throughout the novel?

Discuss Mary’s fascination with Norfolks’ hands.

How do you think Norfolk regards Mary? What were the major contributors to his persona?

What were, in your opinion, the three biggest turning points in the novel?

Analyze The Kiss.

Compare and contrast Mary’s relationships with Harry, Cedric, and Master Foxe. Of these three, who would you consider “the love of her life”?

Did your opinion of Mary’s mother change throughout the novel? If so, how?

Why do you think the novel was told in the first person, present tense? Is this a writing style you like?

Why does Mary refer to her father as “Norfolk” throughout the novel? How does this affect her view of him?

Three themes are present in the novel: self-preservation, the rainbow, and the circlet. What is the relevance of these three themes to the story? Why do you think the author chose to expound on them?